Hazard was too pricey – Wenger

Talks got to such an advanced stage that Hazard’s agent discussed the move at Wenger’s house, but the Frenchman ruled he could not compete financially with Chelsea, who landed this season’s stand-out player for £32million from Lille.

Wenger said: ‘I have no big regrets because at the time there was so much financially, so much money involved, we could not afford it. And (I could) not defend it, honestly. It was not feasible for us financially.’

Hazard and Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez are competing for the PFA player of the year award and Wenger said: ‘It’s very close... I think everybody would agree Hazard has had a great season.’ – Daily Mail